Texas man shot after aiming gun at officers

A man pointed a gun that was equipped with a laser through the window at the officers

By Julie Chang
Austin American-Statesman

AUSTIN, Texas — A man was shot by police after he pointed a gun at them at a Central Austin apartment complex, according to police.

A person called 911 at 9:17 p.m. Sunday reporting that his friend had called him and asked for help, and abruptly hung up before the person could ask what kind of help his friend needed, said Assistant Police Chief Raul Munguia. The person told police that his friend's address was on Cole Street near East 30th and Red River streets — near St. David's Medical Center and close to the University of Texas campus.

When police arrived at the apartment, a man pointed a gun that was equipped with a laser through the window at the officers, Munguia said. Police took cover, but the man continued to point the gun at them, he said. An officer shot a round at the man, but it was unclear whether the man was struck.

Upon retreating back into his apartment, the man then loaded his gun and fired a shot inside his apartment, Munguia said. The man returned to the window and again pointed his weapon at police, he said. Two of the officers fired their weapons and the man was struck, Munguia said. The man retreated and then surrendered to police.

He was taken to University Medical Center Brackenridge with at least one gunshot wound to the torso, Munguia said. As of late Sunday night, the man, who was in his 30s, was in stable condition. His name was not released.

No one else was inside the apartment and no officers were injured. Police are still investigating why the man pointed a gun at police, officials said.

Per departmental procedures, both officers who fired shots have been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing. One officer has been with the department for 3 1/2 years and the other for two years. Their names have not been released.

Earlier: Austin police have reported an officer-involved shooting near St. David's Medical Center near the University of Texas campus.

The shooting happened in the 2900 block of Cole Street near East 30th and Red River streets before 10 p.m., according to police.